Studying Technology: Courses and Future Prospects

The first question to answer is: What does it mean to study “technology”? Well, this is a huge area and a vast range of subject areas come under its umbrella. These include academically heavyweight fields like IT, engineering, and materials science; creative topics like music production, graphic design and fashion; and hands on areas like construction, carpentry, beauty and food production. As you can see, practically everyone can find a niche in technology that interests them and where they can excel. However, it is sensible to research thoroughly before taking the plunge and embarking on a course. In this article we will discuss the advantages of studying technology, the kinds of courses available, and the long term career opportunities for technology students.

Why Study Technology?

As we mentioned above, technology includes all sorts of different areas. However, there are some advantages that they all have in common. Here are five great reasons to study technology: 1) Studying technology puts you at the forefront of innovation and development; 2) You can combine creativity, technical expertise and problem solving; 3) You quickly get to see real, physical results of your work; 4) Your skills and knowledge have a clear, practical application in the workplace and technological workers are generally in extremely high demand; 5) Technology related jobs are genuinely international in nature and so opportunities for working abroad are excellent.

Another great thing about studying technological subjects is the big range of courses on offer. Whether you want to study full or part time, gain a degree, diploma or certificate, and include work experience or study abroad as part of the course, you are sure to find something to suit you. And remember, there is no need to limit yourself to your own country; technological courses taught in the English language are available globally and studying abroad might allow you to save money as well as getting to experience a new culture. So, how to get a handle on all the different options and find courses that match your budget, geographical location, interests, and so on? A good place to start is the website schoolapply.com. This has a search tool that lets you look for courses across the world based on the subject area, location, fees and entry requirements. The website also has a portal that allows you to apply directly to the institution in question.

Life After Studying

In general, employment prospects for technology students are excellent. There are many benefits to working in technology, for example the global nature of the work, the opportunities for flexible working and self employment, ongoing learning and challenges, and of course not being chained to a desk all day! Compared to other sectors, technological industries are reputedly focused on merit and expertise as opposed to personalities and office politics. As such the opportunities to progress if you are skilled, resourceful and conscientious in your work are superb. What’s more, the practical skills you learn on your course will help you in your own life.

As a technology graduate, you will benefit from having skills and knowledge that are very clearly applicable to a specific kind of job. Moreover, in the UK industries associated with technology are often desperate for skilled workers. This makes it relatively easy to find work and wage levels can be high. In fact, the current UK skills shortage list published by the Home Office includes a number of technology related occupations, including jobs in IT, engineering (electrical, production, electronics, mechanical and civil), mining and energy, graphic design, computer animation, cabling and welding.

If you are prepared to broaden your horizons and consider working outside your own country, the opportunities are vast. UK technology professionals and trades people are internationally respected for their competence and professionalism. Technological jobs have great scope for international workers as in general you don’t need to be steeped in the local culture, language, or have country specific knowledge. Engineers and IT professionals can look globally for positions while trade specialists have traditionally been much sought after in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Working abroad gives you the chance to experience life in a new culture, learn languages and even increase your earnings and enjoy a better quality of life.

What Jobs Could You Do?

So, what kind of jobs could studying a course in technology lead too? Naturally, this depends on the specific area of technology that you study. IT graduates could work for businesses or governments managing IT systems or specialising in specific areas like data protection, security, or information help desks. Alternatively you may work for an IT company designing and developing hardware and software, in technical support, business and systems analysis or sales. The great thing about this sector is there is a big variety of roles, which allows you to choose one that plays to your strengths, for example creativity, technical knowledge, client interaction or management.

Industrial designers normally focus on a particular kind of product, for example furniture, packaging, machines and tools or consumer products. Graphic designers may work in the media, advertising, packing industry, TV and multimedia, or in house at large companies. Students of trades type occupations in construction, industry and beauty will generally go on to work in those jobs. However, these is great room for progression to supervisory and managerial roles, and to set up your own business. Alternatively, many working in trade occupations choose to undertake further study in order to qualify for related professional or technical roles. While the range of technological jobs is extremely diverse, there is also significant overlaps between some of the sectors and you may find yourself working closely with technology specialists in different fields. Therefore, there is some room for working in different sectors, especially if you are prepared to commit to further study or training.

Lifelong Learning and Study

So, the benefits of studying technology should be quite clear by now. If you want to pursue studies in this field it is advisable to do as much research as possible, speak to specialists in different fields, and even get some work experience. Your enjoyment of the course and success will depend in finding the right area for you. It’s also important to remember that technology, by its very nature, constantly evolves. Finishing a course will not be the end of your studies. To progress in your career you will need to continually adapt to developments in technology and even do further study and training. However, this aspect of working in technology is also what makes it such an interesting and engaging career.